Be in the Mystery!

As we prepare for summer vacation, I know all of you will continue your learning. Some will attend conferences, some will be taking classes, and some will just be doing some reading for pleasure, but all of us will continue to learn. That's what we do as educators! We also strive to have our students continue to learn throughout the summer. We have signed kids up for summer camps, we have given out information for literacy programs at the library, and we have helped students obtain licenses for online learning opportunities. We know that learning does not stop outside of the school and that to be successful, students (and adults) need to be lifelong learners.  But how do we encourage and promote curiosity in our students?

Not long ago, I was watching a film where a wise man was saying that the real trick to happiness was not to be in the know, but rather to be in the mystery! Embrace uncertainty, seek out challenges, and focus not on the answers, but on the questions. As I reflected, I thought "Do I strive to have all the answers, or do I strive to ask the right questions?" Then I started thinking of the people I look up to and often they are the ones who say, "I'm not sure what's right, but let's look at options together." Those that can have dialogue, speculate, consider, and even change their opinions. Those that debate not out of anger, but out of curiosity and a desire to know more. Those are the people that I admire and strive to be more like.

As educators, we can model for our students the joy of being in the mystery by showing that we are lifelong learners, that we have not lost our sense of curiosity and most importantly that we don't have all the answers.  After all, where's the fun in that? Soon, the school will be empty, the texts will be back on the shelves, and the computers will be powered down. But the learning will continue with a walk in the woods, a book in one's hands, or a discussion with a friend. Our students will continue to learn and hopefully will always keep their natural curiosity and embrace the mystery!

photo credit: Brisbanekids.com.au

PEARLS OF WISDOM

"The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein

"So curiosity, I think, is an important part aspect of staying young or youthful." - Goldie Hawn

" The first and simplest emotion which we discover in the human mind, is curiosity." - Edmund Burke

Kermit introduces Cookie Monster to the Mystery Box (Bet it makes you smile:) 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, June 13:  Celebrate Monday Assembly 9:05-9:25 am
                             Administrators iReady Meeting at Central Office 1:30 pm

Thursday, June 16: 10:00 am Assembly (Principal Awards & Music by Pato)

                              11:40 4th Grade Clap Out 

                              12:10 Dismissal 

Friday, June 17: Teacher Work Day and Check Out

The building will be open through Tuesday, June 21 for teachers.